Tags: beverage ideas, food ideas

 Happy New Year to all my readers. I am sure you will be raising a glass to the new decade and the New Year tonight! Here are some of my favorite champagnes that I love to drink when celebrating any... read more »

Tags: news, press

I was so excited when Michelle Kravetz of the CRAVE Guides called me this fall to tell me I was invited to take part in the CRAVE Chicago book. CRAVE Chicago innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most... read more »

Tags: food ideas

"Baby, it's COLD outside", in Chicago that is!! If you are hosting a winter Chicago wedding, why not have your guests enjoy a wonderful warm soup for the first course of your wedding dinner? When a bride and groom of mine... read more »

Tags: weddings

I was so excited when Kristin and Jack asked me to plan their Chicago Wedding. Kristin was from the Chicago area and wanted to take advantage of the wonderful fall weather we have in Chicago in September and host her... read more »

Tags: wedding favors, wedding ideas

  Recently brides and grooms have come to me expressing that they would rather donate money to a charity in lieu of giving out favors at their wedding. I think this is a great idea and a wonderful way to give back... read more »

Tags: food ideas

 Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and friends. Enjoy your time with your family and friends and have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.Here is one of the pies I am baking. I hope you enjoy this recipe. And wouldn't it... read more »

Tags: events, press

I "Fell in Love with Indy" last week when my assistant, Kristin Weis, (seen above in the picture) and I attended the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Business of Brides Conference. This is my sixth annual conference I have attended and was... read more »

Tags: news, press, weddings

 As a wedding consultant in Chicago, I was so excited when the ladies at the ever popular and chic blog, Style Unveiled, announced to me they were coming to Chicago and launching their blog here.  I was especially excited when... read more »

Tags: news, press

  Last week I attended the Engage!09 The Encore, Luxury Wedding Business Intensive in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Encore. The amazing ladies, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathyrn Arce of Engaging Concepts hosted their fourth luxury wedding conference. I have been lucky... read more »

Tags: engagement pictures, photography

 I posted this last June but with engagement picture season upon us with the gorgeous leaves changing in Chicago, I thought I would post it again for all my new clients planing on their engagement pictures this fall. Thank you... read more »

Tags: events, news, weddings

  The Knot.com invited Chicago wedding industry consultants and professionals to gather together on Wednesday night at the cool event location, Salvage One, to celebrate. I have not done an event at Salvage One, but what a unique location to host... read more »

Tags: events, news, press

Last week my assistant, Kristin Weis, and I traveled to her hometown and alma mater, West Lafayette, Indiana to Purdue University. I was asked to present at the Purdue Event Planning Society which is an organization that students started two... read more »

Tags: events, weddings

As a wedding consultant in Chicago, I often get asked to plan the birthdays and anniversaries of past clients of parents of past clients. The sixtieth birthday party that I was asked to plan was absolutely one of my favorite parties to... read more »

Tags: events, weddings

As a wedding planner in Chicago, my job is to plan the most magical, wonderful and organized wedding day for my clients. Well, when the client is yourself the same things happen. Today I want to wish my husband a Happy... read more »

Tags: announcements, news, press

 Please join us on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at Crane's Landing Golf Course in Lincolnshire, Illinois at our Midwest Wedding & Event Professionals First Annual Charity Golf Outing. Register here NOW and join in the FUN!  Proceeds this year will... read more »

Tags: wedding dresses

This Friday at Filene’s Basement is the annual Running of the Bride’s from 8am-9pm at the Chicago Store at The Finlene’s Basement at One North State Street. Filene’s Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to luggage,... read more »

Tags: announcements, news

It's that time of the year again! Come on out to support Dennis Lee’s Annual Click to Cure event for cancer research! This year, he is raising money for the Cancer Research Foundation in Chicago. It was started by the... read more »

Tags: announcements

  Happy 4th of July!!  This is one of my favorite times of the year. I will probably spend it out on the lake with good friends, good food and a good bottle of wine.   I was looking for some fun... read more »

Tags: news, press, weddings

As one of Chicago's top wedding consultants, I get asked to plan many amazing and interesting events. This was hands down the most "different" Chicago wedding planning experience I have ever had! When The CW came to Chicago in February,... read more »

Tags: announcements, news

  I am so excited to be at the Engage 09 Luxury Wedding Business Summit in Grand Cayman from Sunday to Wednesday. Rebecca Grinnals of Engaging Concepts is bringing together many of the 'best of the best' in the wedding industry... read more »

Tags: trends, wedding cakes, wedding ideas

   I saw this company online called Raise the Cake  and I had to share it with my readers. Wow, what a great idea to make your wedding cake that much more special! I love the design and the name of the... read more »

Tags: weddings

  What incredible pictures by Jeremy Bustos at Studio This Is. Here is a sneak peak he sent from from last Saturday's wedding at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fourth Presbyterian Church. More to come! Enjoy ... read more »

Tags: trends, wedding dresses

Many of my readers know me well and know I am not a "dress wearer". I am most times found in either a suit on a wedding day, a cute sweater set with slacks or a skirt during the week,... read more »

Tags: wedding dresses

The wonderful wedding dress shop, Ultimate Bride is hosting a sample sale on Thursday, June 4th from 12pm-8pm for sizes 8,10 and 12. Receive up to 70% off at this amazing sale. No appointments are necessary but always recommended.Ultimate Bride106... read more »

Tags: news

Do you know of a couple who are planning on getting married or would like to marry Summer or Fall of 2009, who really DESERVE an amazing wedding but cannot afford it in these tough economic times?  "Wedding Day”, a... read more »

Tags: trends

Want to find great handbags for you, your bridesmaids or even as a gift for your mother or future mother in law? Check out Nelle Handbags. These luxurious handbags and clutches are made by a designer from Wisconsin. The designer uses deep vibrant colors... read more »

Tags: news, wedding, weddings

What an amazing contest, I just had to post this on my blog for all those readers out there.WeddingChannel.com is teaming up with Us Weekly to award one lucky couple the ultimate celebrity-inspired dream wedding! The search for the bride... read more »

Tags: bachelortte parties, ideas

A substitute to the bar scene to celebrate your Bachelorette party would be a fun night at Chicago’s Chopping Block! Here you can sit back, relax, and sip on your favorite wine and indulge in the fabulous food Chicago chefs prepare... read more »

Tags: wedding ideas, wedding invitations

Summer weddings are right around the corner and I have gotten the question, "When do I send out my invitations?" a lot lately. Wedding invitations should be mailed six to eight weeks before your wedding date. If you do have... read more »

Tags: trends, weddings

In honor of the Chicago Cubs Opening Day I have included some fun ideas for Chicago brides and grooms that are Cubs fans to incorporate their love of their team in their wedding day. One FUN way to do... read more »

Tags: destination weddings, weddings

  If you are in Chicago, you woke up to a cold and dreary day today. I just got back from a walk with the dog and it is COLD! SO.....I thought I would channel some warm summer vibes by posting these... read more »

Tags: weddings

Alyssa and Jeff Peterson's wedding was a picture perfect fall day in Chicago. They chose to go on a "photo safari" around Chicago with their wedding party before they said their I Do's at Newberry Library in Chicago. Alyssa's wedding... read more »

Tags: news, trunk shows

Don't miss out on The Left Bank's Veils and Vino Trunk Show in Chicago on March 28th and March 29th. Laura Jayne Bridal from Toronto will be in town to show her couture veils, headpieces and bridal hair jewelry. And... read more »

Tags: news, press

I am excited to post the article written by Beth Wilson of Chicago Magazine naming Engaging Events by Ali one of the Top Wedding Planning Companies in Chicago.  I am so honored to receive this designation and am so excited for an amazing... read more »

Tags: news, wedding dresses

Where:   VICTORIA PARK, 1700 S. Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect, ILWhen:    Friday, March 20 – 10 am to 8 pm & Saturday, March 21 – 10 am to 6pmThe Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting last... read more »

Tags: wedding videos, weddings

Kate and Michael had a wonderful wedding in Chicago this past summer at St Josephs Church. Their guests feasted and feted at the Doubletree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile. I am pleased to share this wonderful video montage done by the fabulous Poetic... read more »

Tags: press, weddings

    I am so excited that one of the weddings I did in September was chosen to be featured in Chicago's most luxurios wedding magazine, Chicago Social Bridses. Lisa and Mark Rogers were married at one o'clock in the afternoon at St. Alphonsus... read more »

Tags: bridal registry, bridal showers

 It is "shower season'! That time of the year when brides showers take place and their new homes get stocked with wonderful items for their newlywed household. And summer brides, you may not only be a bride to be but... read more »

Tags: invitations, news

On May 11th the price for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail stamp will increase from 42¢ to 44¢. If you are sending out your wedding invitations in March or April and pre-stamping your reply envelopes where they may be coming back... read more »

Tags: events, flowers, venues

Last night I attended the Blackstone Hotel's fabulous "Expect the Unexpected" Consultant Event.  What a wonderful night of networking, good food and awesome drinks. And the tabletop! All I have to say is, WOW!!!!  They were designed by the amazing... read more »

Tags: press, weddings

I love Kristin and Jack's wedding at the Armour House in Lake Forest, Illinois that Chicago Style Weddings recently featured in their magazine. I was honored to be the wedding consultant to Kristin and Jack as they planned their hometown... read more »

Tags: news, press

Run, don't walk to the newstands and you will see me listed as one of the top wedding consultants in Chicago by Chicago Magazine in their March issue!  What an honor!  I am so excited to report this to everyone! ... read more »

Tags: bouquets, flowers

I loved this bouquet I saw at thespecialeventshow.com in San Diego in January! It is just white mums with added rhinestones! What a awesome statement of a bouquet!... read more »

Tags: events

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! What a great day to tell those close to you that you love and care for them! Have a wonderful night! Got engaged on Valentine's Day? I do have meeting times available for Sunday,... read more »

Tags: events

On Wednesday, January 20th, I was asked to be the speaker for ISES/ABC Weddings with Wow Luncheon in Indianapolis. I felt so welcomed by my host, Lee Johnson of Chair Covers. Inc. The luncheon was so gorgeous I really did... read more »

Tags: news, press

I was so excited to see the article I was interviewed for by Emilie Le Beau for the Chicago Tribune this past Sunday in their Smart Section! We had talked about the best things to have in an emergency kit... read more »

Tags: bouquets

I LOVED the vibrant fall colors of Jenn and Kelly's wedding in September. I wanted to share the lovely flower details with you today! Pictures by Michael Scarpelli.... read more »

I LOVE these centerpieces from Sarah and Craig's Wedding at The Rookery Building this past August 31st, 2009! Very colorful and elegant with the blue and the pops of orange, green and purple. Her wedding cake was a classic white... read more »

Tags: events

I am in Indianapolis today to speak at the Weddings That Wow International Special Events Society and Association of Bridal Consultants luncheon. I will be sharing some GREAT Chicago weddings I have done and the new trends for weddings in... read more »

Fergie, who made Glamorous, well, "Glamorous", and Josh Duhamel tied the knot last Saturday. I LOVED their wedding invites which they handed out at the end of the night done by Lehr and Black, based out of Los Angeles. But... read more »

Tags: events, trunk shows

Still looking for the perfect veil for your wedding day? White Chicago is offering 10% off veils in the month of January! Located at 222 West Huron in Chicago, White Chicago offers wedding dresses at 30%-70% off retail costs by... read more »

Tags: events

If you remember back in October, I attended the amazing Engage!08 The Encore in Orlando; a high-impact wedding symposium for the best of the best in the wedding industry. I am so excited that the women of Engaging Concepts have... read more »

Tags: testimonials

"Ali Phillips did an amazing job at helping us plan the wedding of our dreams!!! On the actual day of our wedding, we had nothing to worry about and could just enjoy each other during this special occassion. When it... read more »

I LOVE this Aisle from a wedding I did on October 25th, 2008 at The Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel. These are just my pictures I snapped with my camera. We did a double width white aisle runner and used the tall... read more »

Top Chicago makeup artist, Sonia Roselli, opened THE MOST adorable Beauty Boutique in Chicago called Estethique, located at 7363 North Greenview Avenue. I like to call it the "Mecca for Beauty". And Sonia is "The Goddess" of makeup, facials and... read more »

Tags: events

It is not too late to get your ticket to the Ritz-Carlton Chicago's Bridal Luncheon! It will be held Sunday, January 18th from 12pm-2pm and will feature a three-course luncheon. All brides to be will have the opportunity to win... read more »

Tags: events

I don't know about you, but I love a "wedding movie". ANY movie related to weddings I always want to run out and see right away. I already have the time and movie theater picked out for tonight. (Have bribed... read more »

Tags: testimonials

When we met Ali, all our expectations were surpassed. She was a true professional with wonderful ideas and loads of experience. Ali was incredibly personable from the start and we were amazed with all the connections and accolades that she... read more »

Every smart girl needs to be prepared for an emergency while out and about shopping for wedding dresses or having lunch with her bridesmaids. Why not get a Swiss Army Knife for your purse? I know, I know, sounds very... read more »

Tags: bouquets

Hello all my readers! Thanks for stopping by the Engaging Events blog on your first day back at work in 2009. 2009 is going to bring many changes to the blog and the website. The blog will soon be appearing... read more »

Tags: trunk shows

Belle Vie Sample SaleJanuary 7th34 East Oak StreetChicago312-751-2222 50% to 80% off sample dresses atCaroline DeVillo Sample SaleJanuary 10th 10am-2pmCaroline DeVillo1616 N Damen AveChicago773-342-0096Sample Sale of local designer's couture collection at... read more »